No one from the PSNI was available for interview with the BBC, but a statement given to the Newry Reporter newspaper said: "Due to the uncertainty surrounding the implications of Brexit, PSNI has taken this opportunity to review the planned disposal of this station pending clarity around future arrangements."

'Post-Brexit facility'

Journalist Ryan Sands said there had been speculation that the facility could be earmarked for a post-Brexit customs or security role, given its proximity to the border and to Warrenpoint Port.

"As we all know, Warrenpoint is a border and harbour town so there has been some speculation as to the future use of the site if it isn't going to be used as a community centre," he said.

"I've heard whispers that it could be used as some sort of post-Brexit border facility."

A UK Government spokesperson said: "Our policy is clear - we are committed to ensuring there is no hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland and to ensuring the same unfettered access for Northern Ireland's businesses to the whole of the UK's internal market.

"We have set out our preferred customs models to enable trade to remain as frictionless as possible."

Image caption
Warrenpoint is a small town in County Down

The Chief Constable of the PSNI told the BBC's Newsnight programme that he did not want anything that looks like physical infrastructure at the border.